Support offered for those affected by essential tremor

Nov 04, 2013

James M. Patton, MD, a board certified neurologist, will speak at a support group meeting for those with essential tremors at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at Alliance Bible Church 501 North River Road in Sylva.

The group serves individuals in Jackson, Macon, Swain and Haywood counties. Individuals interested in attending should RSVP to Ted Kubit at 828-631-5543 or tkubit@frontier.com .

Patton graduated from Emory University with a degree in chemistry in 1985 and then from Emory School of Medicine in 1989. He was a partner with Mountain Neurological Center from 1994 until 2004 before starting his own neurology practice.

Patton speaks regularly at the local Parkinson’s support group.

Essential tremor is a neurological condition that affects 10 million adults and children. Although it is not a life-threatening condition, it is a life-altering condition that causes rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, legs or voice; frequently impacting every day activities such as eating, drinking and writing. While the severity of the tremor may vary from person to person, it often makes those affected self-conscious or anxious in social situations.

ET is often misdiagnosed as Parkinson’s disease, yet according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, eight times as many people have ET as have Parkinson’s.

“Essential tremor can be frustrating in how it affects the quality of people’s lives,” explains Ted Kubit, the Sylva support group leader. “This group will offer an informal place where those affected can be themselves. At our group, individuals won’t be asked if their hands are shaking because they’re cold or nervous. They will find support and fellowship among others just like them—others with essential tremor.”